Google lets Android users switch password managers without CSV files

Google on Thursday introduced a new password manager switching experience on Android that doesn’t require downloading CSV files when migrating to a new app.

With the new feature, users can move all of their passwords — and even passkeys — between apps seamlessly.

To use the system, users first open their new password manager app and choose to import or copy passwords from the old one. Android detects manager apps on the device and coordinates the transfer between both apps; users can then review the information being transferred and approve it in a few taps.

Because the method also supports passkey transfer, users won’t need to set passkeys up again when switching to a new password manager app. Google said the approach also avoids the risk of exposing data through a CSV file.

Google said the new experience is already available with select partners as well as in its own password manager app. Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane are currently supported, with more apps coming in the future. The feature is available on all devices running Android 8 or above.

Why it matters

Removing the CSV-export step — long the weakest link in password manager migrations, since exported files sit in plaintext until deleted — could meaningfully reduce a common source of credential leaks as Google pushes passkey adoption across the Android ecosystem.